In short: a farm yard to rent is an area of hardstanding or open ground let for parking vehicles, storing plant, containers or materials, or as a base for a contractor. The most important things to check are:
- the surface and drainage;
- access for your largest vehicle;
- security, such as fencing, gates and lighting;
- whether the yard is shared;
- whether planning permission allows your use.
Who rents yards on farms?
- Hauliers and transport firms parking lorries and trailers.
- Plant hire and groundwork contractors storing machinery and materials.
- Builders and landscapers needing a base for skips, aggregates and equipment.
- Scaffolders and fencing contractors with bulky stock.
- Container storage operators placing containers for their own customers.
- Vehicle storage for caravans, horseboxes, boats and fleet vehicles.
What to check before you rent
| Check | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Surface | Is it concrete, tarmac, compacted stone or grass? Will it take the weight of your vehicles all year round? |
| Drainage | Does water pool? Are there interceptors for fuel or oil? |
| Area and layout | How much usable space is there, and is there turning room for articulated vehicles? |
| Access | Gate width, track condition, visibility at the road and any weight or height limits. |
| Security | Fencing, lockable gates, lighting and CCTV. |
| Sharing | Is the yard shared with the farm or other tenants? When is it busiest? |
| Hours | Can you come and go early, late or at weekends? |
| Services | Is there power for lighting, chargers or welfare cabins, and water? |
Planning, permits and neighbours
Using farmland or a farmyard for commercial vehicle parking, storage or a contractor's base is usually a change of use that needs planning permission. Some open storage uses are not covered by permitted development rights. Large vehicle operators may also need the yard listed as an operating centre on their goods vehicle operator's licence. Storing waste, scrap or some materials can need an environmental permit. Ask the owner what permissions are in place, and be open about the vehicle movements and hours your business involves.
What does yard space cost?
Yard rents are typically lower than rents for covered buildings. They are often priced per acre, per square foot of hardstanding, or per vehicle or container space per month. Secure, surfaced yards with good road access are worth more. Check whether business rates apply (a yard used for a business is usually rateable), and who pays for security and maintenance of the surface.
Have yard space on your farm?
A spare concrete yard or hardstanding near a good road can be in steady demand from local contractors. In your listing, state the usable area, surface, gate width, security and the uses you will consider, and include photographs of the access from the road. See how to rent out an unused farm building for the planning and paperwork, then list your yard free.
Frequently asked questions
Can I park lorries on a farm yard?
Possibly, if planning permission allows commercial vehicle parking there. If you hold a goods vehicle operator's licence, the yard may need to be approved as an operating centre. Check both before signing.
Do I pay business rates on a rented yard?
Usually, yes. Land used for a business, such as a storage or parking yard, is normally assessed for business rates, and the occupier pays. Small yards may qualify for small business rate relief.
Can I put a container or cabin on a rented yard?
Only with the owner's agreement, and it may need planning permission depending on size, use and how long it stays. Agree this in writing before you bring one on site.
Is a farm yard secure enough for plant?
Some are very secure, with fencing, gates, lighting and CCTV, while others are open. Check the security in person, and tell your insurer how your plant will be stored.
Photo credits
Photographs are reproduced under Creative Commons licences and have been resized and cropped.
- Former builders yard by Oast House Archive, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
- Gated Farm Track to Bletchenden Manor Farm by Julian P Guffogg, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
